"And you have the plans actually in your possession?" he said.
"Yes. It has been a tedious process. It was easy to make him fall in love, but he is so fearfully scrupulous about his work. It took even his valet three months to locate the secret hiding place of the papers."
"A little more caution mingled with his scruples and he would not now be dead at the bottom of the bay."
"Oh, this is the day, is it?" asked Mlle. de Longeon, wearily. "After all, it is rather cruel to Catin."
"To die for his country?"
"Nonsense! He dies because he knows he would be killed in a crueler way if he refused to obey you."
The diplomat smiled. "Will you give me the plans?"
"Yes—why, Marie, what is it?"
A maid had entered with cards. "I am not at home today."
Mlle. de Longeon moved to her writing desk, removed from it a packet of papers, and, with a little courtesy gave it into the eager hands of the diplomat.